Deuteronomy 3:14 Meaning and Explanation
“Jair the son of Manasseh took all the country of Argob unto the coasts of Geshuri and Maachathi; and called them after his own name, Bashanhavothjair, unto this day.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jair of Manasseh takes Argob and names it Bashanhavothjair after himself.
The Context of Deuteronomy 3:14
An individual family expands their holdings and marks them with their name.
What Does Deuteronomy 3:14 Mean?
A specific family within half-Manasseh, the line of Jair, takes the Argob region and extends control to its boundaries with Geshuri and Maachathi (neighboring territories). Jair's prominence is marked by his naming the conquered territory 'Bashanhavothjair'—meaning 'the villages of Jair in Bashan.' This practice of naming places after oneself reflected honor and claim.
The note 'unto this day' indicates that the name endured for generations, becoming the established place-name in the text's cultural memory. It shows how individual families established their stake in the land through both conquest and nomenclature.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 3:14
What does Deuteronomy 3:14 mean?
Jair of Manasseh takes Argob and names it Bashanhavothjair after himself.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 3:14?
An individual family expands their holdings and marks them with their name.